Legendary Silk Road Tour from Beijing

Tour Code: CT-BXDTUK-13
Time: 13 Days
Accommodation: 12 Nights (4+Star Hotels)

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Follow ancient travelers on their adventure along the Silk Road and discover ancient cities, cultures and stunning landscapes!

Why Choose lnto Explore China Group Tour

Worry-Free Travel

With years of experience in group travel across China, we provide professional tour guides, comfortable coaches, and well-paced itineraries for a smooth and enjoyable journey.

Itineraries with Great Value

Our tours cover China's most iconic sights and cultural highlights. All packages are clearly priced with no hidden costs, offering a high-quality experience at a competitive rate.

No Shopping Stops

We guarantee a truly immersive journey with no shopping stop. Spend more time exploring scenic spots, enjoying authentic food, and discovering local culture

Travel with Flexibility

Whether you're traveling solo, with friends, or as a family, you can easily join us. Enjoy better value than private tours with small groups of 6-12 people and year-round departures.

Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrive in Beijing

Arrive in Beijing and transfer to the hotel
4+ star hotels
None

Welcome to Beijing, as the capital city of China, this city is next sure to give you a strong cultural atmosphere and a unique travel experience.

Our professional tour guide will meet you at the airport arrival and transfer you to your hotel for rest.

The rest of the day is free time. If you want to wander around, you can find a tour guide and your guide will give you some good suggestions.

Arrival Tips

As an international aviation hub, Beijing is connected to many cities around the world by direct flights. In addition, you can also choose to arrive in Beijing conveniently by high-speed train, such as from Shanghai (about 5-6 hours), Xi'an (about 5.5 hours) and Guangzhou (about 8-9.5 hours).

Day 2: Beijing

Tian'anmen Square--Forbidden City--Jingshan Park--Summer Palace
4+ star hotels
Breakfast

After breakfast, we will reach the Tiananmen Square, one of the largest city squares in the world. Standing in the North Square, you can look up at the Tiananmen Tower, where Chairman Mao proclaimed the founding of the People's Republic of China.

Passing through Tiananmen Square, you will step into the Forbidden City, which is the largest and best-preserved palace in the world. Once the imperial palace of the Ming Dynasty and Qing Dynasty. It is a reflection of the highest architecture level in ancient China.

After touring the Forbidden City, we will make a short trip to Jingshan Park, where you will have a panoramic view of the entire Forbidden City.

In the afternoon, we will drive to the Summer Palace, which is the largest existing and the best-preserved royal garden in China. The natural landscape of hills and open water is combined with artificial features such as pavilions, halls, palaces, temples and bridges to form a harmonious ensemble of outstanding aesthetic value.

Recommended Activities

-You can choose foot massage, houhai night bars or Sanlitun bar street at night.
-Watching Peking Opera Show, Kung fu Show or Acrobatic Show.

Day 3: Beijing

Great Wall--Bird Nest
4+ star hotels
Breakfast

We will drive about 70 kilometers to the Mutianyu section of the world-famous Great Wall. This section of the Great Wall is well-preserved and relatively unvisited, and it will surely live up to your expectations. The Mutianyu section of the Great Wall is one of the "longest Great Walls in China" and impresses visitors with its rich vegetation and magnificent natural scenery.

You will take an easy cable car up to the Great Wall. Next you will climb up to the city tower overlooking the majestic Great Wall, which will surely make your stay unforgettable. After the Great Wall tour, we will take the cable car down the mountain.

(Note: If you are physically fit, you can also choose to hike up and down the mountain to feel the sense of accomplishment of climbing to the top).

Afterwards, we will return to Beijing, stopping on the way to visit the Bird's Nest and the Water Cube from the outside in the Olympic Village.

Recommended Dinner

You can go to Quanjude and enjoy a meal of the famous Peking duck.

Day 4: Beijing-Xi'an

Temple of Heaven--Hutongs--High speed Train to Xi'an
4+ star hotels
Breakfast&Lunch

After Breakfast, we will visit the Temple of Heaven, a sacred site used in ancient times to worship the heavens and offer prayers for a bountiful harvest. Nowadays, it has become a lively place where locals perform traditional activities such as Tai Chi, dancing, kite flying and calligraphy. Stroll among the halls of the Temple of Heaven and feel the solemnity and mystery of ancient royalty.

Next, we will visit the Hutongs and take a rickshaw ride through Beijing's hutongs. These alleys, made up of courtyards, epitomize life in old Beijing. During lunch, you will learn to make and eat dumplings in the hutongs for an in-depth experience of the old Beijing way of life.

As the Beijing tour comes to an end, your will go to the Railway Station for the high-speed train to another ancient capital of Xi'an (about 5 hours). At Xi'an North Railway Station, our guide will meet you and transfer you to the hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to explore this charming city.

Day 5: Xi'an

Terracotta Warriors and Horses--Da Ci'en Temple--Big Wild Goose Pagoda--Grand Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City
4+ star hotels
Breakfast

We will drive about 40 kilometers to the world-famous Terracotta Warriors and Horses. These Terracotta Warriors were built by China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, to protect him in the afterlife. Over 8,000 life-size terracotta figurines, horses and chariots were buried underground for over 2,000 years until they were discovered in 1974. Standing in front of these spectacular statues, you will be awed by the ambition of Emperor Qin Shi Huang and the skill of ancient Chinese artisans.

Before visiting the Terracotta Warriors Museum, you will also have the opportunity to experience traditional culture by making a miniature Terracotta Warrior under the guidance of a local potter.

After lunch, we will return to downtown Xi'an and visit the Da Ci'en Temple. This temple was a famous translation site of Buddhist scriptures during the Tang Dynasty. The temple has a 64.5-meter-high pagoda, the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, which was built by the Buddhist master Xuanzang to preserve the scriptures he brought back from India.

If you are interested, you can climb the Big Wild Goose Pagoda (extra charge applies) for a great view of the city.

As night falls, we will take you to Grand Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City. It is a unique Tang Dynasty cultural theme imitation complex in China, where you can enjoy rich singing and dancing performances and charming night scenery.

Day 6: Xi'an

Shaanxi History Museum--Small Wild Goose Pagoda--Ancient City Wall--Muslim Quarter
4+ star hotels
Breakfast

In the morning we will visit Shaanxi History Museum and Small Wild Goose Pagoda . Regarded as "the pearl of the ancient city and treasury of the Huaxia civilization", the Shaanxi History Museum is the art pavilion to curate and exhibit Shaanxi's historical culture and ancient Chinese civilization.

Then we will go to the Ancient City Wall, which is the largest and best-preserved ancient city wall in China. You will pass through the Hanguang Gate, as if traveling back to the prosperous scenes on the ancient Silk Road. On the city wall, you can rent a bicycle (extra charge applies) for a leisurely ride and enjoy the panoramic view of modern Xi'an.

Then we will also take you to visit the bustling Muslim Quarter to taste the authentic local snacks and experience the different cultural atmosphere.

Day 7: Xi'an-Dunhuang

Xi'an--Flight to Dunhuang--Mingsha Mountain--Crescent Lake
4+ stars Hotel
Breakfast

After breakfast, your guide will transfer you to the airport in Xi'an for your flight to Dunhuang (about 2.5 hours). Upon arrival at Dunhuang airport, your local guide and driver will pick you up and transfer you to your hotel for check-in.

In the afternoon, you will head to Mingsha Mountain. The unique feature of the Mingsha Mountain is the singing sound produced by the shifting sand dunes, which can be heard when the wind blows. Visitors can enjoy activities such as sandboarding, camel riding, and exploring the stunning desert landscape. Camel riding across the desert is a very popular activity.

The Crescent Lake is named after the shape of a crescent moon. For thousands of years its shape remains exactly the same,a clean and green oasis on the deadly land,right inside the threatening sand dunes but never filled up by the sand, and a dish of the old fish from the lake will keep one always young.

Optional Activities

If you wish, you can choose to do desert camping for one night at the Mingsha Mountain. During the camping, there are abundant activities and programs for you to have fun, such as sandboarding, desert motorcycle, campfire and so on.

Day 8: Dunhuang-Turpan

Mogao Caves--Flight to Turpan
4+ stars Hotel
Breakfast

After breakfast, you will go to visit the Mogao Caves. Known as the "Louvre of the East", it's famous for their statues and wall paintings, spanning 1,000 years of Buddhist art.

On the cliff face over 1 600m long from south to north 492 caves survived the time,various in size and clustered higher or lower all over the cliff.

You will visit the grottoes (usually 7 to 8 grottoes during April to November and 12 grottoes during December to March) and the guide will give you a detailed introduction. After that, you are free to choose or follow another guide if you want to visit more other caves. There are also 10 special grottoes (extra charge) for you to visit extensively.

In the afternoon, you will be transfered to the airport for your flight to Turpan. You will be picked up by your local guide and transferred to your hotel.

The rest of the day is free for you to organize.

Day 9: Turpan-Urumqi

the Flaming Mountain--Tuyu Valley--the Village of Mazar--the Karez Well--The Ruins of Jiaohe
4+ stars Hotel
Breakfast

After breakfast at the hotel, you will visit the Flaming Mountain. It is a fiery peak that the monk Xuanzang must pass through in the classic Chinese novel《Journey to the West》.The mountain is barren and extremely hot in summer.

Then you will reach Tuyu, a migratory valley with many historical sites. The village of Mazar, the oldest surviving Uyghur village with more than 2,600 years of history. It used to be a Buddhist center as well before Islam. There are many Buddhist grottoes in the village, but the statues and murals have not survived.

Next, you will explore the splendid project of the Karez Well, which is a special type of irrigation system. The tunnel system provides water for local people to drink as well as to water their crops.

Your last stop is the famous ruins of Jiaoha, an ancient city located along the ancient Silk Road and now is known as the best-preserved earthen structure in the world.You can also walk to the central platform for a magnificent view of the entire park. As night falls, you will enjoy a breathtaking sunset over the ruins.

After visiting Turpan, you will take a 3.5-hour drive to Urumqi.

Day 10: Urumqi

Xinjiang Museum--Tianchi lake
4+ stars Hotel
Breakfast

After breakfast, you will visit the Xinjiang Museum. This is China's most important museum on the theme of the Ancient Silk Road. The most unique collection here is the mummies. It has a collection of 10 almost intact mummies from more than 4,000 years ago, mostly found in the remains of the ancient kingdom of Loulan.

After leaving the museum, you will explore Heavenly Lake of Tianshan (or Tianchi lake in Chinese) In order to protect the natural environment, visitors' cars are only allowed up to the park entrance. Next you will take a park bus to the depths of the scenic area. It is said that the mythical event of the Peach Banquet organized by the Xiwanmu was held here. Surrounded by hills, green grass and flowers, it is known as the Pearl of Tianshan.

Recommended Activities

There are generally three ways to explore Tianchi. You can take a walk around the lake, take a boat tour, or ride the cable car to the top of the mountain. (Boat trips and cable cars will be charged extra.

If time permits, you can even enjoy all of these experiences.

Day 11: Urumqi-Kashgar

Urumqi--Flight to Kashgar--Apakhoga Tomb--The Etigar Mosque--Old Town of Kashgar
4+ stars Hotel
Breakfast

Early this morning, you will take a flight (approximately 2 hours) to Kashgar, which was once a center of regional trade and cultural exchange along the ancient Silk Road for more than 2,000 years.

After rest in the hotel, you will first visit the Apakhoga Tomb, which is not a simple mausoleum but an elaborate complex that is the best place in the region to appreciate the extraordinary aesthetics and Islamic architectural skills of the Uyghur people. It also offers a rare opportunity to see and learn about the funeral customs of Uyghur families.

Next, you will visit Kashgar's landmark--The Etigar Mosque, which is considered a holy place for Muslims. Every day, thousands of Muslims worship here. Historically, the mosque used to be a school where Islamic culture and history were taught. Many scholars and respected clerics graduated from it.

A few minutes' walk from the mosque is the exotic Old Town of Kashgar, where you can experience the authentic Uyghur way of life. The ancient city of Kashgar has a history of more than 2,100 years and is known as the "soul of Kashgar". This is a great place to buy some interesting souvenirs for your family and friends.

This is the end of today's activities, next you can have free time or go back to your hotel in Kashgar for a good rest.

Day 12: Kashgar

Baisha Lake (White Sand Lake)- Karakul Lake
4+ stars Hotel
Breakfast

Today, you will visit the famous Karakul Lake, which is about 190 kilometers away from the center of Kashgar, about 3 hours by car. Although it is a long drive, the continuous landscape of the Pamir Plateau is breathtaking, with harsh and lonely snow-capped mountains, inhabited barren lands, vast grasslands, pristine glaciers, peaceful villages

You will stop at the White Sand Lake (Baisha Lake), a serene lake beneath the towering snow-capped mountains of the Pamir Plateau.

You will arrive at Karakul Lake around noon. At an altitude of 3,600 meters, Karakul Lake is one of the most beautiful alpine lakes in Central Asia.

It is a mix of endless grasslands, deserts and valleys. Some Kyrgyz nomads keep yurts by the lake and graze herds of sheep, horses and camels. Here you can spend some time strolling around the lake, enjoying the scenery and taking photos until it's time to return.

Finally, drive back to Kashgar have a good rest.

Day 13: Kashgar Departure

Kashgar Bazaar--livestock Bazaar--Kashgar Departure
Breakfast

In the morning you will come to Kashgar Bazaar. It is a grand, busy, crowded, awe-inspiring, chaotic, fun and colorful place. In Uyghur, bazaar means a grand marketplace. The Kashgar Bazaar has been the largest and busiest trading hub in West and Central Asia since the rise and prosperity of the Silk Road. You'll find everything from Muslim mills and authentic Iranian saffron to Pashmina wool and fine carpets, as well as fresh fruit, spices, cradles and even camels.

If you're lucky enough to visit Kashgar on a Sunday, don't miss the livestock market experience, which takes place every Sunday. At midday, Uyghur farmers and herders drive herds of sheep, camels, horses, cows and donkeys through the gates of the market to trade. The scene is dusty, smelly and crowded, but it offers a unique and exotic experience for most people.

After the tour, we will transfer you to the airport for your flight to your next destination. Or if you plan to leave China via the land border, we will arrange a vehicle to take you straight to the border.

Included & Excluded

The price is based on two people sharing one twin room. If you prefer a single room, please contact us for a quote.
Price may vary depending on exchange rates, travel dates, and hotel class.

Price Includes:

Comfortable hotel with daily breakfast (twin room)
Professional English-speaking local tour guide
Air-conditioned private coach throughout the tour
Entrance tickets to all listed attractions and activities
Lunches as specified in the itinerary
Domestic fights and high-speed train tickets
One travel accident insurance per person

Price Excludes:

International flights to and from China
Airport transfer to hotel on arrival day (Day 1)
Optional or recommended activities
Chinese visa application fees
Tips for guides and drivers
Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
Personal expenses (e.g. shopping, laundry, hotel minibar)

Why Travelers Choose Us

1. What should I pack for the Silk Road Tour?

For the Silk Road Tour, pack versatile clothing suitable for varying climates. In Beijing and Xi'an, expect mild to warm weather, so bring lightweight, breathable fabrics. Dunhuang, Turpan, and Urumqi can get quite hot during the day but cooler at night, so include layers like a light jacket or sweater. Kashi (often referred to as Kashgar) has a more arid and sometimes cooler climate, especially in the evenings, so a warm coat is advisable. Don’t forget comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen. If you plan to visit religious sites, ensure you have modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees.

2. What kind of cuisine can I expect during the tour?

The Silk Road is a melting pot of cultures, and this is reflected in its cuisine. In Beijing, savor iconic dishes like Peking Duck. Xi'an offers delicious Muslim street food, including Rougamo (Chinese hamburgers) and Yangrou Paomo (pita bread soaked in lamb soup). Dunhuang is famous for its camel meat dishes and juicy grapes. In Urumqi and Turpan, enjoy Uyghur specialties like Lagman (hand-pulled noodles) and various kebabs. Kashi is a paradise for food lovers with its bustling bazaars offering a wide array of spicy snacks, fresh fruits, and traditional breads. Always ask your guide for local recommendations to experience the best flavors!

3. What type of accommodation can I expect on the tour?

Accommodations along the Silk Road vary to suit different preferences and budgets. In major cities like Beijing and Xi'an, you'll stay in comfortable, modern hotels with all the standard amenities. As you move to more remote areas like Dunhuang, Turpan, and Kashi, accommodations may be more basic but still clean and well-maintained, often reflecting local architectural styles. In Urumqi, you can expect a mix of international chain hotels and local boutique options. Our tour packages always aim to provide a balance between comfort and authenticity.

4. How is the transportation arranged during the tour?

Transportation on the Silk Road Tour is carefully planned to ensure convenience and safety. Between major cities like Beijing and Xi'an, you'll likely travel by high-speed train, offering a comfortable and efficient way to cover long distances. For longer journeys, such as from Xi'an to Dunhuang or between other cities, domestic flights are often the most practical option. Local transportation within cities and for shorter trips to attractions will be arranged via private coaches or minivans, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable travel experience.

5. Are there any health or safety precautions I should take?

While the Silk Road is generally safe for travelers, it's always wise to take some precautions. Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Stay hydrated, especially in the arid regions like Dunhuang and Turpan, and carry a reusable water bottle. Be cautious with street food to avoid stomach upsets—stick to well-cooked meals and bottled water. In mosques and other religious sites, follow local customs and dress modestly. Lastly, keep your belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings, particularly in crowded markets or bazaars.

6. What are the must-see attractions along the Silk Road?

The Silk Road is rich in history and natural beauty. In Beijing, don't miss the Great Wall and the Forbidden City. Xi'an boasts the Terracotta Army and the ancient City Wall. Dunhuang is famous for the Mogao Caves and the Crescent Lake. Urumqi offers the Heavenly Lake, a stunning alpine oasis. Turpan is known for its ancient canals (Karez) and the Jiaohe Ruins. In Kashi, explore the Id Kah Mosque and the bustling Sunday Bazaar for a true taste of Uyghur culture. Each destination offers unique experiences that showcase the diversity of the Silk Road.

7. What cultural customs or etiquette should I be aware of?

Respecting local customs and etiquette is crucial when traveling along the Silk Road. In China, especially in Muslim-majority areas like Xinjiang (where Urumqi, Turpan, and Kashi are located), dress modestly when visiting religious sites or rural areas. Remove your shoes before entering mosques or homes. Learn a few basic greetings in Mandarin or Uyghur to show respect. When dining, it's polite to wait for the host to start eating first and to use chopsticks appropriately. Always ask permission before taking photos of people, especially in more traditional or conservative communities. Your guide will provide more specific cultural insights tailored to each destination.